A slot is a place or position for something. In a game of chance, a slot is the number or other symbol that triggers a bonus round or awards credits based on the paytable. A slot can also be a physical opening or hole in an airplane wing or tail surface, used for a high-lift device or to provide an airflow channel.

In a casino, a slot is a mechanical device that spins reels and pays out play credits based on the symbols that appear. Players insert cash or, in the case of “ticket-in, ticket-out” machines, paper tickets with barcodes into a slot on the machine and activate it by pulling a lever or pressing a button (either physical or virtual). The reels then stop randomly and reveal one or more winning combinations of symbols. Typical symbols include fruits, bells, and stylized lucky sevens. The number and type of symbols vary by game. Each slot has a different theme.

In ice hockey, the term “high slot” refers to a prime spot on the ice for a defenseman to take a blistering slap shot at the goalie. Slots are often reserved for the best defensemen, and a successful shot from the high slot can change the momentum of a game. A slot is also the name of a position in an airline flight schedule, granted by an airport to an airline so that it can use a portion of the runway or parking space when needed.